Casa de Coffee, Pitman, NJ

Posted by TheOneAndOnlySam

July 2, 2008

Casa De Coffee - Pitman, NJ
28 E Holly Ave

A half block down Holly St. from Broadway lies a cute little coffee shop. You would miss it except for the sign on the wall of the building next to it and the few tables out front, as the building is a little back from the street. It has a large front window, and tan siding. Inside, the walls are painted a warm brown, and have pictures of coffee paraphernalia all over them, ranging from pictures of coffee cups to old coffee advertisements. The space is rather small, with only three tables and two counter spaces that seat two people each. The tables double as checker/chess boards. Just ask the barista for the pieces. The place gives off a very welcoming feeling between the décor and the music that is always playing. It ranges from Jazz to Indie to Alternative Rock, depending on the barista, but it is always music that’s worth listening to, but doesn’t take away from conversation. Attached to the coffee house, just five steps up, is a hair salon that sells organic beauty supplies.

The counter is at the back with various baked goods in a case. They are of average coffee shop price, but always worth the money. The muffins are fabulous, and their biscotti is also quite good. The menu is to the right, up on a chalkboard. Again, of average coffee shop prices, though always quite worth it. They give a choice of whole milk, skim milk, and soy milk when making a drink, so they are, in fact, vegan friendly. They get their coffee from the Crescent Moon Brewing Company, which sells organic, fair trade coffee. I find this to be wonderful, because it is guilt-free coffee. Not only is it pesticide-free, but it is paying the coffee farmer enough to feed his (or her) family, while only paying the same price as a cup that is not. There area always four types of coffee available. A dark roast, a light roast, a flavored, and a decaffeinated, so that you can get a flavor that matches your daily coffee desire. They also change the coffee frequently so that it doesn’t burn. A counter is to the right with different milks and creamers. Also, there is a choice between white sugar and raw sugar. All of the cups are made from waxed paper, so that they are biodegradable.

After walking through the door, I only make it about halfway to the counter before I’m greeted warmly. All of the baristas are very friendly, and chat as they’re making your drink. I order an iced coffee, my friend a frozen hot chocolate. Both I highly recommend. The iced coffee is made with ice that actually is frozen coffee, so that it doesn’t get watered down like most iced coffee. I think it’s brilliant, and still marvel over it whenever I get one. The frozen hot chocolate is hot chocolate mix mixed with your choice of milk and chipped ice. It’s a tad expensive, but worth every penny. The baristas work quickly, so the wait isn’t very long, but sometimes talk to you for a few minutes after your drink is ready if there’s not a line.

I highly recommend this place if you like good quality coffee and a nice atmosphere. Despite being earth friendly, it is not pretentious at all. I have gone to Casa de Coffee many times, and I have never had a bad experience.

Sam’s Score: 4.5 Chews